SETH G. HUNTINGTON (1920-2021)

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V28 2025 INDEX E-SYLUM ARCHIVE

The E-Sylum: Volume 28, Number 23, 2025, Article 15

Pete Smith also submitted this note on one of the designers of the U.S. Bicentennial coinage. Thanks. -Editor

Seth Huntington was one of three artists selected for their designs for the Bicentennial coinage. His rendition of Independence Hall appears on the reverse of the 1976 Kennedy half.

As I was compiling the initial listings for American Numismatic Biographies, I discovered that he lived in Minneapolis and I could call him without incurring a long-distance charge.

I called on March 2, 1991, and he was very pleasant and accommodating with my request for information. I could tell that his wife was in the background and concerned about him revealing personal information to a stranger.

Some time later a member of my coin club offered me a one-dollar bill with his autograph. I doubt if most people would recognize the name, but it has a special meaning for me. I never met him, but I like the photo provided with his obituary from the Minneapolis Star Tribune of November 21, 2021.

Here's an excerpt from Huntington's obituary. -Editor

Age 101. Beloved husband, adored father of 8, artist, honored WWII veteran, and the light of our lives.

Seth was the 3rd child born to George William and Gertrude Chris-tine (Van Horik) Huntington of Minneapolis. During the Great Depression, Seth enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served 4 years and 8 months, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. As a member of the 6th Infantry "Red Star" Division, Seth fought in the Pacific Theater. Notable action included combat in New Guinea—the Battle of Lone Tree Hill and the Battle of Sansapor—and an uncontested record of 219 days of continuous combat in Luzon.

He was awarded the Bronze Star, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Bronze Arrowhead. Late in 1945, he returned to Minneapolis, where he met his future wife, Marjorie. They married in June 1946 and shared 75+ years of marriage.

In 1949, Seth graduated cum laude from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design. He joined Brown & Bigelow in 1956, where he worked with many local and national artists. He frequently freelanced and also taught at the St. Paul Arts and Science Center. In 1976, his artistic portrayal of Independence Hall was minted as the reverse of the Bicentennial Kennedy half dollar. Seth ended his career at B&B in 1985 as Creative Director, but continued working in many artistic mediums long into retirement. He was a student of life, for life.